Israeli War Cabinet Member Accuses Netanyahu of Misleading Public on Gaza Goals
In a shocking turn of events, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of not being truthful about the country’s military goals in Gaza. Gadi Eisenkot, a retired general whose son tragically lost his life fighting in Gaza, has come forward to challenge Netanyahu’s claims. Eisenkot argues that those advocating for the “absolute defeat” of Hamas are not “speaking the truth.” He also holds Netanyahu responsible for failing to protect the country on October 7th and calls for fresh elections, citing a lack of trust in Israel’s current leadership.
This accusation comes at a time when tensions within the Israeli cabinet are already high, with reports suggesting that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have a strained relationship. Furthermore, the divide between Israel and its Western allies continues to widen. The United States, in particular, has expressed its disagreement with Netanyahu’s rejection of a future Palestinian state. The White House national security adviser, John Kirby, stated that the US and Israel “clearly see things differently.” The State Department Spokesman also emphasized that a Palestinian state is crucial to resolving Israel’s security challenges.
Netanyahu’s stance on Palestinian statehood is not surprising, as he has consistently opposed it throughout his career. Just last month, he proudly declared that he had successfully prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, his comments are further isolating him on the international stage. As the death toll in Gaza approaches 25,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, Netanyahu’s refusal to heed the advice of the US government raises concerns about his growing international isolation.
The Biden Administration has repeatedly attempted to influence Israel’s military strategy during this conflict. They have called for more precise attacks in Gaza instead of blanket air strikes, advised against a ground invasion, and pushed for meaningful talks on a two-state solution. However, Netanyahu has consistently rejected these suggestions, causing frustration within some American circles over President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel. While Israel’s allies hope to revive the dormant two-state plan as a path to lasting peace, Netanyahu’s comments indicate that he desires the opposite outcome. It is a position that aligns more closely with former President Donald Trump’s administration, and it may be a calculated move to rally support from pro-Israel voters in the upcoming US election.
Within Israel, Netanyahu’s popularity is waning, and he is increasingly relying on the far-right to maintain his government. A recent poll revealed that only 15% of Israelis want him to remain in office after the war. While most Israelis still support military action against Hamas, the majority now prioritize the safe return of the remaining hostages over the seemingly unattainable goal of destroying Hamas entirely. Additionally, Netanyahu’s rejection of a future Palestinian state undermines Arab attempts to mediate in the conflict. Saudi Arabia, for example, has offered to normalize ties with Israel as part of a ceasefire agreement that includes a two-state solution. However, Netanyahu seems to have staked his political survival on a hard-line anti-Palestinian stance.
Netanyahu can no longer rely on his reputation as “Mr. Security” after the devastating attacks that occurred under his watch. Instead, he now presents himself as “Mr. No Independent Palestine,” a position that he believes resonates with the traumatized Israeli public. Although the public’s support for Netanyahu is diminishing, they are still too scarred by past events to consider the idea of a Palestinian state neighboring Israel.
In conclusion, Gadi Eisenkot’s accusation against Benjamin Netanyahu has further intensified the already strained atmosphere within Israel’s war cabinet. The divide between Israel and its Western allies continues to grow, with the US expressing its disagreement over Netanyahu’s rejection of a future Palestinian state. As Netanyahu’s international isolation deepens, his popularity within Israel is also dwindling. Despite ongoing support for military action against Hamas, the majority of Israelis now prioritize the safe return of hostages over the complete destruction of Hamas. Netanyahu’s refusal to entertain the idea of a Palestinian state undermines Arab attempts to mediate in the conflict and further solidifies his hard-line anti-Palestinian position. While Netanyahu may be losing favor with the Israeli public, they remain too traumatized to consider the possibility of a Palestinian state neighboring their own.